The Fort Lauderdale metropolitan area recorded notable job growth in July 2025, according to data released by FloridaCommerce. The region led all metro areas in the state for job gains over the year in both the professional and business services sector, with an increase of 2,700 jobs, and the other services sector, which added 1,600 jobs. The leisure and hospitality sector also saw a rise of 2,700 jobs compared to July 2024.
The labor force in Fort Lauderdale grew by 3,122 people—a 0.3% increase—over the past year. Private sector employment rose by 9,100 jobs or 1.1%. The unemployment rate for the area stood at 3.8% in July 2025, up from 3.6% a year earlier.
Statewide, Florida’s employment numbers continued their upward trend. Florida added 7,300 jobs over the month of July. Over the past year, private sector employment increased by 118,900 jobs or 1.4%. This marks another period where Florida’s private sector job growth rate has surpassed the national average for most months since April 2021.
Industries that posted significant job gains across Florida included financial activities (adding 5,200 jobs), leisure and hospitality (adding 1,600 jobs), and government (adding another 1,600 positions). Since May 2020, employers across Florida have added jobs in all but four months out of the last sixty-three.
Florida’s statewide unemployment rate was reported at 3.7 percent in July—remaining lower than the national rate for fifty-seven consecutive months since November 2020.
Job seekers have access to several resources provided by state agencies and partner organizations. These include Employ Florida—a labor exchange marketplace connecting workers with employers—as well as career counseling and training offered through CareerSource Florida's local centers. Additional programs support apprenticeships and provide targeted assistance to veterans and military families seeking civilian employment opportunities.
More than 408,000 job postings were available online as of July. Job seekers are encouraged to use resources like CareerSource Florida to improve their skills and find new opportunities at no cost.
Detailed regional reports for July’s employment data are available for Fort Lauderdale and other major metro areas including Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Pensacola, Southwest Florida, Tampa, and West Palm Beach via official channels such as Florida Insight.